In a recent interview (via Fabrizio Romano), Barcelona director Deco confirmed that the Catalan club will try to land Joao Cancelo, who is playing on loan from Manchester City, permanently in the summer. Deco said,
“Cancelo is doing very well, Felix started very well too and he brought us very important points. It will depend on many factors…”
“We will try to sign both of them”
Cancelo’s Impressive Form At The Nou Camp
Cancelo has enjoyed a decent season at the Catalan club after putting in a handful of impressive performances on the left side of Xavi’s defence. The 29-year-old has found the back of the net on three occasions and picked up three assists in 25 matches for Barca this season across multiple competitions.
The Portuguese talent has been a good performer on the left flank as he is averaging 2.2 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.9 shots, 1.3 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession based on his pass completion rate of 84.4% in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Barcelona Will Try To Land Cancelo Permanently This Summer: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Cancelo can be a decent defender at the back when he is playing at his best. However, he is more admired for his offensive skillset as he is a good dribbler with the ball who can engineer a few inviting chances for his teammates in the attacking end of the pitch.
The Portuguese talent can even shoot the ball with venom from long range. Hence, it makes sense for Barcelona to try and keep hold of him beyond the end of this campaign. Cancelo has already showcased what he is capable of during his loan spell at the Nou Camp so far. He has mainly played as a left-back for Barca but can also function as a right-back if needed.
At 29, the Portugal international has still got a few good years left in his locker to play at his best. Therefore, Xavi would be wise to sign Cancelo permanently in the summer. It will be a good move for both the player and the Catalan club as they look to bring some success back to the Nou Camp over the next few years.
